Mt. Washington Cog Railway (New Hampshire)

Mount Washington Cog Railway - Bretton Woods, New Hampshire Photos from June 2008 at the world's first mountain-climbing cog railway, opened in 1869. The 3.1-mile railroad climbs from Marshfield Base Station (elevation 2700') to the summit of Mt. Washington (6288') with an average grade of 25% and max grade of 37.4% (Jacob's Ladder). As of 2008, the Cog operated seven steam locomotives, the oldest dating to 1874, with up to six at a time fired up on weekends. The first diesel was introduced in 2008 to reduce costs and pollution, and by 2010 three more diesels had relegated steam to a single morning run. For more, visit the Cog Railway Website.